Design
Page 75
Making a scene
Italy's cultural landscape extends far beyond Renaissance masterpieces, encompassing innovative contemporary spaces housed in gilded foundations, former power plants and Hadid-designed mountain bunkers.
On the make
‘The Monocle Book of Italy’ charts Italian design from coffee cups to cars and shop signs to logos. Here we share some highlights that define the nation’s playful take on making it.
Design Briefing
A unique retail concept for fashion giant Maison Margiela and a conceptual Japanese space that has made the most of a modest budget.
Good form
We explored the world of product design and asked the best in the business what it’s like to envision new things that excel in form and function.
Light relief
In Portugal’s Alentejo region, designer and entrepreneur Francesco Ippolito has built a modernist off-grid sanctuary that paves the way for his plans to create a high-end, design-focused retreat.
Repair, restore, repeat. Eight master craftspeople keeping our treasures alive
Some people devote their lives to patiently rediscovering and carefully restoring our assorted objects and ephemera, rather than choosing quick replacement. Such acts of renewal consistently deeply highlight and reaffirm their true, enduring value.
Power tools
Japan is a nation that does many things rather well. Here we profile a few problem-solving products to tackle some of life’s trickier challenges – oh, and a banana holder.
Ground control
In forensically researching the history of a site before he builds on it, prolific Japanese architect Tsuyoshi Tane likens his role to that of an archaeologist. We meet him to dig a little deeper.
No time to waste
Furniture-makers are waking up to the fact that there’s more to sustainability than product longevity. We visit the Lombardy base of B&B Italia to hear how the brand is pioneering eco-friendly materials and methods.
10 architecture ideas that cool buildings naturally
From Hawaii to Milan, pioneering architects are proving that smart design can keep cities cool without energy-hungry air conditioning, using breeze blocks, greenery and outdoor living.
